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For those who want to make the transition into the world of vocational photography—staying true to your craft and vision, while fusing that craft with commerce VisionMongers is a great place to begin your journey. With a voice equally realistic and encouraging, photographer David duChemin discusses the experiences he’s had, the lessons he’s learned, and the practices he’s adopted in his own winding journey to becoming a successful working photographer.
When it comes to this personal, honest combination of craft and commerce, there is no single path to success. Everyone’s goals are different, as is everyone’s definition of success. As such, VisionMongers does not prescribe a one size-fits-all program. Instead, duChemin candidly shares ideas, wisdom, and inspiration to introduce you to, and help you navigate, the many aspects of transforming your passion into your vocation. He addresses everything from the anxiety-riddled question “Am I good enough?” to the basics—and beyond—of marketing, business, and finance, as well as the core assumption that your product is great and your craft is always improving.
Along the way, duChemin features the stories of nine other photographers—including Chase Jarvis, Gavin Gough, and Zack Arias—whose paths, while unique, have all shared a commitment and passion for bringing their own vision to market. With VisionMongers, you’ll learn what paths have been taken—what has worked for these photographers—and you’ll be equipped to begin the process of forging your own.
Making a Life and Living in Photography: Business and Finance
chapter one Foundations
My Story
Driven by Vision
Sustained by Passion
The Lines Are Blurring
The Rules Are Changing
VISIONMONGERS: Chris+Lynn
chapter two Work, Work, Work
It’s Hard
The First Question
The Benefits of Hobby
Know Thyself. . . . . .
Know Your Market
Know Your Craft
10% Show, 90% Biz . 45
Get Rich Quick! (But Do It Elsewhere)
VISIONMONGER: Kevin Clark
Make a Plan, Stan
Don’t Quit Your Day Job
Find a Mentor
Love Your Fans, but Listen to Your Critics
Join a Gang
Fake It Till You Make It
Get to Work
Too Busy Chopping Wood
You Need Help
Your First Assignment
VISIONMONGER: Darwin Wiggett
chapter three Sounding Your Barbaric Yawp
What Can I Sell You?
How Can I Serve You?
The Four Pillars
Branding Isn’t ( Just) for Cattle
Perception Is Reality
Photographer?
Make Them Love You
More Conversations, More Opportunities
VISIONMONGER: Grace Chon
Word of Mouth
He Said, She Said
You Need a Logo
Hey, Cool Card!
VISIONMONGER: Dave Delnea
Marketing 2.0
VISIONMONGER: Gavin Gough
Making Contact
VISIONMONGER: Karl Grobl
Go Where They Ain’t
Three (Bad?) Metaphors about Competition
chapter four Business and Finance
Contracts
Sponsorships
It’s Not My Job, Man
Scope Creep
Finances: How Not to Be a Moron
VISIONMONGER: Zack Arias
You Are Not Wal-Mart
Negotiations and Love Songs
Take Me, I’m Yours
Dig More Streams
Insurance
VISIONMONGER: Chase Jarvis
chapter five It’s a Brave New World
Appendix
Index